Brad Davidson
St. Mary's College of Maryland
Ben Ho Park lab
Analysis of cell free DNA (cfDNA) is becoming a powerful diagnostic tool for cancer detection and management. The genetic information it provides aids in initial drug choice, monitoring response to therapy, detection of shifts in drug resistance, and evaluation of patients with minimal residual disease for relapse. However, a fundamental issue in this field is an underlying lack of knowledge concerning where cfDNA comes from on a molecular level. I plan to study the mechanisms by which cfDNA is secreted and attempt to target these processes to increase test sensitivity.